Research

ResourceSmart Schools program research project 2014

Sustainability Victoria commissioned Monash University to undertake research into the impacts and effectiveness of the ResourceSmart Schools (RSS) program in Victoria.

The findings are based on survey responses from 160 ResourceSmart schools, and an analysis of evidence and existing research, during 2014.

Key findings:

Grow it! - Most respondents (81%) indicated that the RSS program had improved their school’s sustainability activities, and positive impacts could be seen in campus improvement, curriculum development, culture change, and community building.

Place teaching and learning at the centre - the influence of the RSS program plays out differently in individual schools but typically involves five main contributions to school sustainability: structured frameworks, supportive facilitation, internal monitoring, external validation, and local networks.

Improve communications and design - respondents were largely positive about the effectiveness of the RSS program, but flagged challenges with administration demands, reduced facilitator support, insufficient focus on learning and teaching, limited applicability of awards, and a primary school emphasis.